Macerich reinvests in Fashion Fair with multi-year renovation project
The Outdoor Village at Fashion Fair Mall in Fresno will soon see a multi-year renovation. Fashion Fair rendering
Written by Denine Currie
Fresno’s Fashion Fair Mall is getting a major makeover. The 974,000-square-foot shopping center — the city’s second-largest — will undergo a multi-year renovation project starting in late spring 2026, with completion expected by 2028.
“Macerich has a long history of reinvesting in irreplaceable retail destinations, and Fashion Fair is at the heart of that commitment,” said Joey Elliot, general manager at Fashion Fair, in an emailed statement.
The multi-year, phased renovation will feature upgrades for the Outdoor Village and center-wide improvements, including upgraded landscaping , modern seating areas, enhanced lighting, new flooring throughout the center and remodeled restrooms with contemporary finishes.
“Eighteen months ago, we reaffirmed our commitment to the Central Valley and the Fresno Market,” said Elliot. “We then began a journey of planning and design work that has led us to now, where we are preparing to bring that commitment to life.”
The project has indeed been ongoing for more than a year, with the interior seeing a new paint job. Colorful, drought-resistant landscaping and a resurfaced parking lot have elevated the exterior, Elliot said.
Guests are already enjoying Explorer’s Edge, the new children’s play area featuring vibrant murals, soft flooring and imaginative play structures, he said. The reimagined Santa set, Santa’s Cabin, also debuted in November.
The company has not yet selected a contractor for the bulk of the work, but anticipates going to bid in early 2026.
The flooring updates will most likely not begin until late 2026 or early 2027.
Elliot declined to share specific financial details about the project’s cost.
“Over the course of this next several years this project will continue to adapt and grow,” he said. “We see this investment as a reinvestment in Fresno, and the community that makes us such a great shopping destination.”
Fashion Fair is anchored by Macy’s, Apple and JCPenney, and features retailers including H&M, XLanes and Foot Locker. The center is known as a popular dining destination with restaurants including Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse, The Cheesecake Factory, BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse and Chick-fil-A.
The shopping mall ranks No. 2 on The Business Journal’s Shopping Centers list published in October. Fresno’s River Park is No.1 with 1.2 million leasable square feet, according to the list.
Macerich, which owns Fashion Fair, is one of the nation’s leading owners, operators and developers of retail and mixed-use properties. The company currently owns 39 million square feet of real estate. Representatives say the Fashion Fair renovation is one component of a broader reinvestment strategy.
“This renovation is more than a facelift for the shopping center. It’s a reflection of our ongoing commitment to the Fresno community,” said Elliot. “We’re creating a space that’s not only beautiful, but also functional, welcoming and full of energy.”
Fashion Fair Mall and the center’s retailers and restaurants will remain open during the 2026 renovations with minimal disruption to shoppers.
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